D.P. Davidson's Blog, page 11
July 4, 2013
The Most Horrifying Night of My Life....
I had no intention of documenting this...ever, anywhere, but I realized the only way I can get past it is to acknowledge that it happened. So here goes.
I have been taking piano for nine months. I will never be a concert pianist, but I've always wanted to learn. As my oldest daughter has the longest fingers ever (not super relevant, but worth mentioning), she has already been taking piano, so I figured why not?
I've got nothing else to do.
Anyway, this particular piano teacher is stellar, but she also has this nauseating practice called "recitals." I have known from the first day that a recital was in my future, but I refused to think about it. I mean, it was practically forever away, and why borrow tomorrows troubles today, you know what I mean?
Unfortunately, time passes as it is wont to do, and the recital fast approached until it was here, but I was ready! I knew my pieces, I knew my posture, I knew everyone in the cultural hall where the recital was being held, but I could not avoid the nervous twitch that suddenly overcame me.
Let me be clear. I do not get embarrassed. I can think of a handful of times wherein my cheeks grew warm at some foolishness I had committed, but for the most part I cannot afford to be embarrassed. I've fallen, tripped, word vomited, been in the wrong place at the wrong time, spilled and dropped too many things, too many times to entertain embarrassment. Or so I thought.
My piano teacher set each of us up with a plan should we mess up or get lost while playing our pieces. Plan A, in the event of a missed note, was to continue without pausing. Plan B, in the event that we lost our place, was to continue playing but go back to the beginning of the piece. The idea being that if we keep playing no one else will know that a note was missed or that we lost our place.
Armed with these tools I still was a nervous ball of worry, but even though I begged to be excused from the recital (and I did, I'm not ashamed) she wouldn't cut me loose. So I steeled myself for my task. I marched myself up to that piano like I knew what I was doing, and I sat down.
The rest is a blur. Though I can tell you that I lost my place halfway through my first piece so I went back to the beginning. Then I lost my place again!
Well at that point my three minute song was on it's way to eight minutes which I wasn't interested in because I was sure that I would lose my place a third time, at which point it would be the "D.P. Davidson's recital" because I'd been playing for so long, so I decided just to end it. Which I did. I just ended it. Right where I was. Just stopped. Right there.
Unfortunately I had another piece to play which, thankfully, I got through with the shred of dignity I had left. I smiled, curtsied, and then left the hall in a hurry.
I wanted to throw up. I have never been so embarrassed in my life. Please people, hear me. I wanted to hide in the trash can. I would have taken six faceplants on the concrete to that recital. The horror! But, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Or succeeds the second time.
I get to do it again next year. Yay!
I have been taking piano for nine months. I will never be a concert pianist, but I've always wanted to learn. As my oldest daughter has the longest fingers ever (not super relevant, but worth mentioning), she has already been taking piano, so I figured why not?
I've got nothing else to do.
Anyway, this particular piano teacher is stellar, but she also has this nauseating practice called "recitals." I have known from the first day that a recital was in my future, but I refused to think about it. I mean, it was practically forever away, and why borrow tomorrows troubles today, you know what I mean?
Unfortunately, time passes as it is wont to do, and the recital fast approached until it was here, but I was ready! I knew my pieces, I knew my posture, I knew everyone in the cultural hall where the recital was being held, but I could not avoid the nervous twitch that suddenly overcame me.
Let me be clear. I do not get embarrassed. I can think of a handful of times wherein my cheeks grew warm at some foolishness I had committed, but for the most part I cannot afford to be embarrassed. I've fallen, tripped, word vomited, been in the wrong place at the wrong time, spilled and dropped too many things, too many times to entertain embarrassment. Or so I thought.
My piano teacher set each of us up with a plan should we mess up or get lost while playing our pieces. Plan A, in the event of a missed note, was to continue without pausing. Plan B, in the event that we lost our place, was to continue playing but go back to the beginning of the piece. The idea being that if we keep playing no one else will know that a note was missed or that we lost our place.
Armed with these tools I still was a nervous ball of worry, but even though I begged to be excused from the recital (and I did, I'm not ashamed) she wouldn't cut me loose. So I steeled myself for my task. I marched myself up to that piano like I knew what I was doing, and I sat down.
The rest is a blur. Though I can tell you that I lost my place halfway through my first piece so I went back to the beginning. Then I lost my place again!
Well at that point my three minute song was on it's way to eight minutes which I wasn't interested in because I was sure that I would lose my place a third time, at which point it would be the "D.P. Davidson's recital" because I'd been playing for so long, so I decided just to end it. Which I did. I just ended it. Right where I was. Just stopped. Right there.
Unfortunately I had another piece to play which, thankfully, I got through with the shred of dignity I had left. I smiled, curtsied, and then left the hall in a hurry.
I wanted to throw up. I have never been so embarrassed in my life. Please people, hear me. I wanted to hide in the trash can. I would have taken six faceplants on the concrete to that recital. The horror! But, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Or succeeds the second time.
I get to do it again next year. Yay!
June 28, 2013
June 25, 2013
Deep Thoughts by D.P. Davidson...
How does one review her own work? Of course the author will speak favorably. What author would not? Would one be inclined to read a book if the author who wrote it said it was terrible? Yet, if the author speaks to highly of her own work it may well be seen unfavorably by others who see such comments as worrisome. I suppose tis best to let others speak in this instance.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/12439061-d-p-davidson">View
June 14, 2013
Presenting...
My author page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00DEOVAEO
So awesome!!! I'm starting to feel like the real deal here.
I hit a minor snag last week, and as always happens I threw myself on the ground where I kicked and screamed like a spoiled child - not literally, though it is a valid concern. One day I will have the grace and dignity to navigate the rough spots with... grace and dignity.
Hopefully.
In other news, the paperback version of my new work, Eterna, is almost ready. Momma's aren't supposed to have favorites, but I have to say this one is. I never thought I could love another book as much as my first, but I do. It's like being a parent, oddly enough.
Don't tell the other two. It could get awkward.
So in an effort to keep the grass from growing under my feet, I have begun another book. I'm so excited. As before, it isn't the one I thought I'd be working on, but who cares?!
Have a super duper day! I know I will.
Also, a small addendum:
Push, Push Back and Eterna are exclusive to Amazon for the time being. I apologize for any inconvenience.
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00DEOVAEO
So awesome!!! I'm starting to feel like the real deal here.
I hit a minor snag last week, and as always happens I threw myself on the ground where I kicked and screamed like a spoiled child - not literally, though it is a valid concern. One day I will have the grace and dignity to navigate the rough spots with... grace and dignity.
Hopefully.
In other news, the paperback version of my new work, Eterna, is almost ready. Momma's aren't supposed to have favorites, but I have to say this one is. I never thought I could love another book as much as my first, but I do. It's like being a parent, oddly enough.
Don't tell the other two. It could get awkward.
So in an effort to keep the grass from growing under my feet, I have begun another book. I'm so excited. As before, it isn't the one I thought I'd be working on, but who cares?!
Have a super duper day! I know I will.
Also, a small addendum:
Push, Push Back and Eterna are exclusive to Amazon for the time being. I apologize for any inconvenience.
May 25, 2013
Now...Why Did You Do That?
My tentative release date for Eterna was June 25, 2013. You will note it is currently May 25, 2012.
That puts my release date at exactly one month from now. Except...
I went ahead and published it now. That's right. Eterna is now available on Smashwords and Amazon right now. Why now, you ask.
Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
It's more of a novella (not to be confused with a novela or Spanish soap opera) than a novel, but my sweet husband, Mr.D pointed out that Of Mice and Men was a rather short book as well. Of Mice and Men is a pretty good book. Hopefully you all will feel the same way about Eterna.
So go take a look, maybe read it, leave a review, you know the routine.
Here it is at Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/319050
And again at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Eterna-ebook/dp/B00CZC00CE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369487761&sr=8-1&keywords=Eterna+D.P.+Davidson
While you're there, look for my other two books Push and Push Back.
Have a most fantastic Memorial Day weekend and remember why we celebrate. Freedom isn't free.
That puts my release date at exactly one month from now. Except...
I went ahead and published it now. That's right. Eterna is now available on Smashwords and Amazon right now. Why now, you ask.
Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
It's more of a novella (not to be confused with a novela or Spanish soap opera) than a novel, but my sweet husband, Mr.D pointed out that Of Mice and Men was a rather short book as well. Of Mice and Men is a pretty good book. Hopefully you all will feel the same way about Eterna.
So go take a look, maybe read it, leave a review, you know the routine.
Here it is at Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/319050
And again at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Eterna-ebook/dp/B00CZC00CE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369487761&sr=8-1&keywords=Eterna+D.P.+Davidson
While you're there, look for my other two books Push and Push Back.
Have a most fantastic Memorial Day weekend and remember why we celebrate. Freedom isn't free.
May 12, 2013
Eterna...
So this was an interesting week. One of those productive/nonproductive weeks that happen every once in a while (or all the time, depending on who you are - I tend to be of the all the time variety, but I digress).
Anyway, on the nonproductive side, I spent every day at the chiropractor because my spine is drifting to the right. It's true, I saw the x-ray. It's pretty horrifying. Spine's aren't meant to travel that way. So I have to get that worked out. I thought I felt like I was walking sideways. Now I know it's true. That took a chunk of time out of every day, but I'll take it over the alternative (hint: it involves a wheelchair).
Wow, I am off in Tangentville today.
Anyway, (again) I have a piano recital next Saturday that I should be practicing for, but that is covered in the nonproductive area. I know what you're thinking - where does she get productive?
Don't rush me!
My deadline for the new book is June 25th which, for those of you without a calendar, is just over seven weeks away. The book has made it through the first edit, and I have it out to my trusted first draft readers now. I'll be embarking on the second edit this week, but the big news is...
The cover is done! And it looks amazing. I just hope the book lives up to the cover. I've also written up a first draft of the synopsis, so now I can work on cleaning that up too.
Want to see the awesome cover?
Here it is:
Amazing I know. The photograph was taken by Clara Jerome, my brother's sister in law, and the cover was created by Sadie Talbot and myself. I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to both of these women for making this amazing cover possible.
As you were.
Anyway, on the nonproductive side, I spent every day at the chiropractor because my spine is drifting to the right. It's true, I saw the x-ray. It's pretty horrifying. Spine's aren't meant to travel that way. So I have to get that worked out. I thought I felt like I was walking sideways. Now I know it's true. That took a chunk of time out of every day, but I'll take it over the alternative (hint: it involves a wheelchair).
Wow, I am off in Tangentville today.
Anyway, (again) I have a piano recital next Saturday that I should be practicing for, but that is covered in the nonproductive area. I know what you're thinking - where does she get productive?
Don't rush me!
My deadline for the new book is June 25th which, for those of you without a calendar, is just over seven weeks away. The book has made it through the first edit, and I have it out to my trusted first draft readers now. I'll be embarking on the second edit this week, but the big news is...
The cover is done! And it looks amazing. I just hope the book lives up to the cover. I've also written up a first draft of the synopsis, so now I can work on cleaning that up too.
Want to see the awesome cover?
Here it is:
Amazing I know. The photograph was taken by Clara Jerome, my brother's sister in law, and the cover was created by Sadie Talbot and myself. I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to both of these women for making this amazing cover possible.
As you were.
April 10, 2013
When Banging Your Head Against The Keyboard No Longer Helps...
I was making my daily visit to cracked.com when I saw the article entitled "5 Tips For Punching Write's Block In The Face". I have been blocked for a bit now so I decided to read the article.
Let me just be clear. While I enjoy the articles on this site, they tend to "work blue," and quite often will dabble in the other colors of the rainbow as well. Therefore one must be very careful what articles one reads. Consider yourselves warned.
Now back to the article. The first point was to know what you write, which is a good policy, but the second one really got my attention. # 2: Accept that you're going to write garbage.
That hit the spot.
As most writer know, there are stages of the writing process. It goes like this:
Stage 1: Wherein the writer decides "I am a terrible writer".
Stage 2: Writer becomes more confidant as his work progresses, and decides "I'm a pretty good writer."
Stage 3: Writer becomes even more happy with his work, seeing the story (or article, whatever the case may be) really come to life, and declares "I am a GREAT writer."
Until Stage 4: Wherein the writer returns to the scene of the crime with clearer eyes and realizes "I am a terrible writer." End scene.
It's a vicious cycle I tell you. One that was nicely summed up in a meme my friend Joy (a fellow writer) posted not too long ago.
It is amazing how one can find inspiration in the most random and unlikely places. I've been stuck in the realm of "meh" (or stage 4 if you will) trying to find my mojo so I can finish my book and meet my goal when I happen upon the push (ha!) that I need. From a comedy website, of all places.
I guess this is one instance of the mountain coming to Mohammed. I wasn't going to the right places for help, so the help came to me. Which kind of makes me a moron, but is also kind of a testimony builder.
Also, I never said I wasn't a moron. At any rate, I feel my motivation picking up so I gotta go. I've got a book to finish ya'll.
Have a fab day!
Let me just be clear. While I enjoy the articles on this site, they tend to "work blue," and quite often will dabble in the other colors of the rainbow as well. Therefore one must be very careful what articles one reads. Consider yourselves warned.
Now back to the article. The first point was to know what you write, which is a good policy, but the second one really got my attention. # 2: Accept that you're going to write garbage.
That hit the spot.
As most writer know, there are stages of the writing process. It goes like this:
Stage 1: Wherein the writer decides "I am a terrible writer".
Stage 2: Writer becomes more confidant as his work progresses, and decides "I'm a pretty good writer."
Stage 3: Writer becomes even more happy with his work, seeing the story (or article, whatever the case may be) really come to life, and declares "I am a GREAT writer."
Until Stage 4: Wherein the writer returns to the scene of the crime with clearer eyes and realizes "I am a terrible writer." End scene.
It's a vicious cycle I tell you. One that was nicely summed up in a meme my friend Joy (a fellow writer) posted not too long ago.
It is amazing how one can find inspiration in the most random and unlikely places. I've been stuck in the realm of "meh" (or stage 4 if you will) trying to find my mojo so I can finish my book and meet my goal when I happen upon the push (ha!) that I need. From a comedy website, of all places.
I guess this is one instance of the mountain coming to Mohammed. I wasn't going to the right places for help, so the help came to me. Which kind of makes me a moron, but is also kind of a testimony builder.
Also, I never said I wasn't a moron. At any rate, I feel my motivation picking up so I gotta go. I've got a book to finish ya'll.
Have a fab day!
April 9, 2013
International Best-Selling Author...
Just kidding! It's only me, D.P. Davidson. I may not be an international best seller, but I do have an international fan. Only one, but it's a start.
At any rate, because I am an international, er, seller, I had an opportunity to send a set of my books internationally. To India. That was an experience. An ongoing experience. See, what had happened was...
I sent the package through the U.S. mail, but because it was international, I had to fill out paperwork that would send it through customs. Also, the address in question went something like this: "On Morris street, behind the bungalows to the left, apartment with the red door, India." I'm serious. My reader told me to put the address on the envelope exactly the way it was written.
That was last month, March 13th.
My sweet reader (almost) received the package two days ago. I say almost because the postman put it in her hands, and then snatched it back! He said it hadn't gone through customs. So even though she had it in her hands he took it away again. I want to know how he managed to have it if it hadn't gone through customs.
My poor friend was in a panic. She emailed me to ask about the customs paperwork. She spent hours on the phone trying to speak to someone so she could get her books. She was given several different numbers until she placed a call where no one bothered to pick up. Now she's written a letter to the customs office. She wants those books, darn it! And I'm pretty inspired by her commitment.
I really hope she gets them.
In other news, I went to my first book club wherein the book the clubbers chose to read and discuss was my very own Push Back. It was so awesome! I really enjoyed hearing the feedback these lovely women had to share. They expressed attachment to the characters, and the story which made my day because I love my characters, and want to share their story.
So thank you to the Fossil Ridge ward book club for your time and kind comments. Because of you, I think I'll keep on keepin' on.
At any rate, because I am an international, er, seller, I had an opportunity to send a set of my books internationally. To India. That was an experience. An ongoing experience. See, what had happened was...
I sent the package through the U.S. mail, but because it was international, I had to fill out paperwork that would send it through customs. Also, the address in question went something like this: "On Morris street, behind the bungalows to the left, apartment with the red door, India." I'm serious. My reader told me to put the address on the envelope exactly the way it was written.
That was last month, March 13th.
My sweet reader (almost) received the package two days ago. I say almost because the postman put it in her hands, and then snatched it back! He said it hadn't gone through customs. So even though she had it in her hands he took it away again. I want to know how he managed to have it if it hadn't gone through customs.
My poor friend was in a panic. She emailed me to ask about the customs paperwork. She spent hours on the phone trying to speak to someone so she could get her books. She was given several different numbers until she placed a call where no one bothered to pick up. Now she's written a letter to the customs office. She wants those books, darn it! And I'm pretty inspired by her commitment.
I really hope she gets them.
In other news, I went to my first book club wherein the book the clubbers chose to read and discuss was my very own Push Back. It was so awesome! I really enjoyed hearing the feedback these lovely women had to share. They expressed attachment to the characters, and the story which made my day because I love my characters, and want to share their story.
So thank you to the Fossil Ridge ward book club for your time and kind comments. Because of you, I think I'll keep on keepin' on.
March 24, 2013
Something Awesome This Way Comes...
Potentially.
I entered a contest for self-published authors this week. So exciting! The grand prize is some monies which is nice, but the awesome part is the vast marketing of the winning book(s). The runners up get less monies, and less marketing, but more marketing than is currently available to me now. So, I entered.
I won't know until October, so I'll forego holding my breath, but some finger crossing and prayers won't hurt so...keep that in mind faithful fans.
Also I was perusing recently posted reviews for my new book, Push Back, when I came upon the most awesome review. I was so stoked! It was the most amazing review to date. I read it three times I was so amazed.
Here's the link in case you're interested: http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A10N3SXIQH0SG7/ref=cm_cr_pr_pdp
In the meantime I continue to work on my next book with the goal of having it published by the end of June 2013. Watch for it!
I entered a contest for self-published authors this week. So exciting! The grand prize is some monies which is nice, but the awesome part is the vast marketing of the winning book(s). The runners up get less monies, and less marketing, but more marketing than is currently available to me now. So, I entered.
I won't know until October, so I'll forego holding my breath, but some finger crossing and prayers won't hurt so...keep that in mind faithful fans.
Also I was perusing recently posted reviews for my new book, Push Back, when I came upon the most awesome review. I was so stoked! It was the most amazing review to date. I read it three times I was so amazed.
Here's the link in case you're interested: http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A10N3SXIQH0SG7/ref=cm_cr_pr_pdp
In the meantime I continue to work on my next book with the goal of having it published by the end of June 2013. Watch for it!
March 21, 2013
Today Is A Wonderful Day...
Because it's Tuesday... Right?
No wait. It's Thursday. Po-tay-to, po-tah-to. Anyway, two interesting bits of information.
1. I was recently added to a blog showcasing mormon books and authors, because I am mormon and an author, so I totally qualify (yay!) Anyway, if you or anyone you know would like to read my work, or any other work that generally tells a smut free story (they can be told) here's the place to go: http://www.mormonbooksandauthors.com/search/label/YA
Go take a gander. Then tell all your friends.
2. I had a fan request a set of books who lives in India. Being the awesome fan appreciator that I am, I sent her a set. Heaven help me it cost an arm and a leg. I've sent out no less than twelve sets and all twelve together didn't cost as much as that one package to India. So, until I'm raking in the dough, Ima hafta resort to in country post. Sorry, rest of the world. You can still get it on a kindle/nook/ipad/cell phone.
Anyway, I promise there will not be such a vast span of time before my next post. Pinky promise.
No wait. It's Thursday. Po-tay-to, po-tah-to. Anyway, two interesting bits of information.
1. I was recently added to a blog showcasing mormon books and authors, because I am mormon and an author, so I totally qualify (yay!) Anyway, if you or anyone you know would like to read my work, or any other work that generally tells a smut free story (they can be told) here's the place to go: http://www.mormonbooksandauthors.com/search/label/YA
Go take a gander. Then tell all your friends.
2. I had a fan request a set of books who lives in India. Being the awesome fan appreciator that I am, I sent her a set. Heaven help me it cost an arm and a leg. I've sent out no less than twelve sets and all twelve together didn't cost as much as that one package to India. So, until I'm raking in the dough, Ima hafta resort to in country post. Sorry, rest of the world. You can still get it on a kindle/nook/ipad/cell phone.
Anyway, I promise there will not be such a vast span of time before my next post. Pinky promise.
